How to Write Better Site Comments

Since the new Comment System has been rolled out in WA, I have been writing and also receiving a lot of comments on my posts.

I came across an article that discussed how to give quality comments and I thought I would share some of the information I learned with you. Some of it I already knew, while some of it I never thought about. There is a formula to use when writing a comment and I thought it was very helpful and made writing comments easier for me.

Common Mistakes made while writing Post Comments:

1. Using a Novelty of Non-Existent Gravatar Image
   • Let people see the real you. It helps to build a connection.
2. Using a False Name or Fun Nickname
   • Use a real name. No one wants to have a serious conversation with "Lil' Bit-D."
3. Dumping Links in Your Comments
   • Putting in links comes across as a cheap attempt to peddle your product in someone else's backyard.
4. Not Reading the Post Before Commenting
   • Without reading the post first, how can you provide intelligent feedback.
5. Comments that are too long
   • If you have a lot to say, try not to be boring.
6. Just Repeating What the Post Said
   • It's okay to summarize, but comments need to be more than the Cliff Notes version of what you just read. What's the point in that?

Good Comments Include:

1. A Friendly Greeting
   • A greeting acknowledges the author and starts your comment off on the right foot.
   • Example: Hey Joe; Hi Joe; Hi there Joe; Great post Joe
2. A Sincere Compliment
   
   • Example: What a fantastic post; You've outdone yourself this time; Absolutely loved this post
3. Added Value to the Post
   • Your goal in every comment should be to add value. If your comment doesn't add value, it's wasting everyone's time.
   • Example: Share a personal insight; Ask thoughtful questions; Contribute to the discussion;
4. A Parting Promise
   • Tell the author that you're going to share the post on social media.
   • Tell the author that you will visit their blog again to read more posts

EXAMPLE COMMENT:

(GREETING) Hi Joe,

(COMPLIMENT) This is a really awesome post. It has a lot of information for me to seek my teeth into.

(VALUE) You have come up with a great list for new bloggers to follow. We all know how frustrating it can be when you first start blogging. There is so much to learn that it is hard to know what to focus on first. Excellent information, Joe, thanks for putting out such insightful content.

(VALUE) We know it's not the amount of traffic that we get, but how well the traffic converts. You tips are a great beginning and gives a great goal to shoot for.
(PROMISE) Once again, great post. I'll be sharing this with my friends. Thanks,

I hope this helps you understand the format of a good blog comment, so you can start leaving comments that have a purpose. Knowing this format has helped me to write better comments and I hope those who leave comments for me will reciprocate.

Thanks,

Valerie